Technical and Entreprenurial Training for Horticultural Production in Mexico

Abstract

Technical and entrepreneurial training was provided for two groups of young adults to prepare them for commercial production of horticultural goods under greenhouse conditions. Most participants (90%) had only basic formal education and no experience in agriculture. Both teachings were done simultaneously. Thus, they learn how to produce based on market demands, and how to operate as a business. This educational experience resulted in a high satisfaction for the participants, and gave them the skills needed for commercial production because they were able to produce and market one harvest. Their main challenge is to develop an enterprise.

Effect of endomycorrhiza (Glomus intrarradices) and organic matter on the growth of cactus pear (Opuntia albicarpa) in two soil types

“…This is applied raw, without any previous treatment, and by that, it favors the attack of soil pests such as cochineal insect (Dactylopius spp.) (Márquez-Berber et al, 2012). This practice causes problems because organic matter (OM) takes more time to decompose and immobilizes soil nitrogen in the process, which prevents its rapid utilization.…”

“…The application of fresh or semidecomposed manure may encourage a higher incidence of pests, diseases (the most important is cladodes thickening syndrome) and shrub weeds (Mochiah et al, 2011). In addition, excessive amounts of manure, such as those used by some farmers, may lead to problems of pollution of both soil and groundwater of that region (Márquez-Berber et al, 2012). Composting manure will not only favor its use but will also help to improve soil quality, to reduce the presence of propagules of weeds, pests and diseases and to reduce soil and groundwater pollution because of leaching.…”

“…Composting manure will not only favor its use but will also help to improve soil quality, to reduce the presence of propagules of weeds, pests and diseases and to reduce soil and groundwater pollution because of leaching. Therefore, it can improve the production system and promote safer practices (Márquez-Berber et al, 2012). In addition, cactus is used like fodder in times of drought, is alternative of livestock feed in dryland areas due the protein enrichment, which has generated the elaboration of diets based on traditional fodder and cactus enriched with proteins to feed goats and sheep's (Flores-Hernández et al, 2017;Ramos et al, 2021).…”